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                                     Just a few words about..."The Dance and the Teaching Style"

My passion for "Middle Eastern Dance" and its historical culture has always had deep roots in my soul. I have always felt a profound connection between the art, music and craft of the dance. I truly enjoy teaching as well as performing; it has always been in my heart.

I perform both "Turkish and Egyptian Cabaret", though I favor the Turkish style more do in part to the difference in music tempo's and its various rhythms and meters. I am very eclectic and incorporate both styles into my performances and classes.

My dance style is based solely on my own personnel style and expressiveness. I am extremely outgoing in both my gracefullness and my fiery fluidness! I always generate a positive and exhilarating attitude.

My teaching style is "Technique Based" with much emphasis on both balance and proper posture. My classes consist of stretching warm-ups which help achieve clean isolations with focus on muscle tone and breath work. All of which help support the body, improve flexibility and protect the spine and joints.

All the  movements are clearly broken down and taught together one step at a time. Often times I will spend time discussing the moves out loud as I work individually with each student to ensure proper technique and body alignment.

I also teach "Rhythm Identification, floor work, veils, Zill playing, drum solo technique, sword, Shamadan, cane and serpent dancing". I will teach some coreography and combinations in both my intermediate and advanced classes. I will also teach students how to layer movements in the beginner classes and show how it is all pulled together. I am available to teach both private lessons and small groups of students. I am also available to teach in a work shop environment if so desired.

All of my classes are non competitive. My classes are a place for women to meet, become friends, laugh and have some fun. After all, laughter is the biggest healer! I love to be silly, and humor always takes a big role in my performances. However, I also take my dancing and teaching very seriously, and I only accept the utmost respect and professionalism.

If I spark an interest with you, please e mail me at Bahijhadance@comcast.net

                                                                              WHAT TO WEAR?

For all levels of dance, you are expected to wear the proper dance attire. This can include a leotard, unitard, sports bra or choli top, comfortable fitted yoga pants, harem pants or a dance skirt.

Regular street attire is not permitted.  This includes sweat pants, loose T shirts, jeans or anything that is to baggy. Hip scarfs are recommended. Dance foot wear is required (bare feet and street shoes are not allowed on studio floor). Hermes dance sandals are a perfect item and are available at "Adagio Dancewears at 183 Main St., Wareham Mass. 508-291-2122 or adagiodancewear@verizon.net      Adagio Commercial 

Please note: Limited space of 15 students per class.  All classes include a brief warm up and stretching. "Please check with your doctor if you have any medical or structural problems which could be aggravated by any moderate exercise". The minimum age for belly dance class students is 15, and 18 for City Lights.  Special workshops will be offered for younger girls at "The Dancing Serpents Studio" during the summer and school vacations of May/June 2007.

Private lessons/performance coaching/choreography and stage presence $30.00 per hour. Call for appointments. 508-763-4538

      

 

Continuous 4 week courses start monthly-Each class will run one and a half hours
Beginner/intermediate level:  Monday and Wednesday evenings 6:30-8:00 PM
City Lights Erotic and Pole Dancing:  Tuesday & Thursday evenings 6:30-8:00 PM
No dance experience will be required . Beautiful private studio, all women, NON competitive.

Missed classes may be made up on another evening that class is being held within the session, (with the exception of City Lights Pole Dance) there are no refunds, credits or carry overs on all of the above.

COME LEARN IN MY NEW STUDIO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Some Testimonials  
 

The Middle Eastern name “Bahijha” translates to “joyful, happy, and delightful.” The woman I know by such name is undeniably all three. She is beautiful in every sense of the word. Her spirit is guided by the rhythm of life and the beat of drums. Through the art of Middle Eastern dance, Bahijha reaches out to the women she meets. It is in this way that she touched my life and inspired my soul more than anyone.
Middle Eastern dance, more commonly known as “belly dance” to Americans, has recently exploded into our “pop-culture.” Soon, my former dance studio began to offer the class, taught by Bahijha. Her peaceful essence and cheerful humor instantly gained the hearts of her students. What touched me the most was that Bahijha did not just teach the classic moves of the dance, but also how to achieve the movements that could not be taught. Much emphasis was put into the culture and traditions of the dance.
Teaching was not the only wa y Bahijha left a mark on my life. I was moved by her graceful stage presence. She captivates her audiences with the femininity and power of her performances. Her body moves like that of a serpent’s, sensual and fluid. Through rhythm and movement she shares her passion and dedication for the art of belly dance to anyone fortunate enough to observe her.
Bahijha surpasses the requirements of her “job” as teacher and performer. I credit this to the way she views what she does as less of a job and more of a pleasure. To all of her students she teaches confidence through encouragement and praise. Unlimited warmth, support, and respect are continuously given. Women gain a sense of body awareness while also reaping health benefits from her classes.
My enthusiasm for the dance grew quickly with her. I desired to learn more about the culture, the traditions, and the dance itself. Bahijha fed my hunger for knowledge and soon offered me a solo spot in her “Arabian Nights” show. I have yet to exceed the excitement and gratitude felt upon accepting. Never before her teachings would I have thought I’d be in such a spotlight position, or have the confidence to follow through with it. She guided me through private lessons and instilled a sense of serenity in me, allowing me to fully enjoy my performance.
Through rhythm and dance Bahijha rebuilt my self-confidence. She empowered my soul and changed the way I view myself. The deep passion I now have for the art of Middle Eastern Dance began with her lessons. She continues to inspire and enrich women with her gift for the dance. I will carry her teachings with me throughout my life.

 Shawna Brooks 2008

 

Although I haven't taken any classes from Bahijha as of YET, I have to mention that she is so professional in her approach to making me feel welcomed, unlike any other teachers I have written to from Worcester to Boston.  Most I know, do not even send out monthly newsletters or information.  Bahijha certainly has reached out and has informed and updated me on all her upcoming events.  If I lived in her area, I would be there weekly and I do hope to come to take classes this Spring or Summer because of the way Bahijha has offered  her help.  Keep up the great work, I believe Bahijha would be a great mentor to other business professionals.

Ameena Jabbour

 

What can I say? To see this lady dance is to experience true joy and utter amazement all at once.  Fluidity, grace, presence, execution…..There are too many words to fit here to describe Bahijha at her best.  She is an excellent teacher, with infinite patience.  Everything is broken down into easy steps, with the always-added invitation to “add yourself to the movements” to make the dance your own.  There is no such word as “can’t”; of course you can!!  She encourages you to believe this and to believe in yourself.  She makes it all right to be a woman no matter who you are or what you look like.  Experience it – you won’t be sorry!!

Michelle Saindon

 

We were fortunate enough to have Bahijha teach several beginner belly dance classes at our Studio. The students, ranging in age from 14 to over 50, thoroughly enjoyed the classes.  Bahijha made them feel comfortable right from the start.  She broke down each movement so that everyone, even the non-dancers, caught on.  Her wonderful sense of humor and total professionalism impressed us greatly.  Bahijha is a beautiful person inside and out and we're glad to have her as a friend and colleague.

Debby and Rachel Park, The Rachel Park Dance Center

 

The reason I began Bahijha's class was strictly for exercise but it has become so much more than I imagined.  I have been taking classes with Bahijha for 4 years now, I have gained an appreciation for the Egyptian culture, for the dance, awareness of my body and self-confidence. Bahijha is a great teacher, she loves what she does and is beauty in motion when she performs, everyone should experience the dance performances in Onset, at least once!  Dancing has given me a new perspective as a woman, and a passion in my life that was lacking!  I have also lost 25 lbs. & nine inches off my waist since I began dancing, more important I've increased my strength, endurance and improved my overall health too! 

Leisha

I would like to take this opportunity to highly recommend Bahijha's dance classes. Prior to taking a class with Bahijha I had taken classes with three other instructors and was ready to give up on belly dancing as the classes were not fun and it took me longer to catch on as I have never danced before. Then I met the beautiful Bahijha and that all changed. She has such a positive attitude and makes everyone strive for their own personal goals. Her classes are not competitive as she creates an environment in which all of her dancers support each other. Her classes are very inspiring as they are always different and fun while you learn at the same time. It doesn't matter if you have danced before or not as Bahijha is very patient and is able to challenge everyone at their own level without anyone feeling left out. She is a very graceful, passionate dancer and her performances are magickal. Anyone who is interested in learning the art of belly dance should try a class or go to the Stonebridge Bistro to see Bahijha perform as well as her students.